Familiarize yourself with the foods recommended for cats and those potentially harmful in the best interests of your feline companion’s health and well-being.
Feed your kitty pie a balanced and nutritionally complete diet specifically formulated for its dietary needs. Pick from high-quality commercial cat foods, including both wet and dry options. They are designed to provide the necessary nutrients for your furry baby at different life stages.
However, it is always advisable to discuss with a vet or a feline nutritionist to get specific recommendations for your cat’s nutritional requirements and to address any concerns or questions you may have about its nutrition.
At the same time, consider being equipped with the best pet insurance to support your furball with top-notch medical assistance during particular illnesses and medical emergencies. If you cannot afford comprehensive health cover, contemplate purchasing cheap cat insurance in the least.
Meanwhile, read this article to learn about a few food items you better avoid in your kitty’s diet to protect its health and happiness.
1.Raw fish
Feeding raw fish to kitties can pose various health risks; hence should be avoided. Raw fish often carries parasites, such as tapeworms, and the risk of heavy metal contamination. Also, an enzyme in raw fish can destroy thiamine, an essential B vitamin. Thiamine deficiency can lead to serious symptoms, including weight loss, neurological issues, and coma in the worst case.
If you want to incorporate fish into your cat’s diet, it is safest to feed only cooked fish. Cooking helps eliminate potential parasites and reduces the risk of thiamine destruction. Yet, it is essential to feed fish in moderation and ensure a balanced diet overall.
2.Fresh/dried grapes
While some fruits can be beneficial for kitties when offered in moderation, note that some fruits should be strictly avoided. Grapes and raisins, in particular, are known to be toxic to cats and potentially lead to kidney failure if ingested. It is recommended to keep them out of reach of your four-pawed companion and be cautious when offering any fruits/foods often containing them.
3.Onions
Onions contain compounds that can be toxic to kitties and adversely affect their red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia. Be extra careful and ensure that onions in any form, whether raw, cooked, dehydrated, or in the form of onion powder, are kept away from your four paws’s reach. Properly disposing of any onion scraps or remnants is essential to prevent accidental ingestion by your furball.
4.Dairy items
Most kitties are lactose intolerant. To elaborate, “Lactose” is the sugar found in milk and other dairy products, and many cats lack the enzyme lactase needed to break it down. As a result, feeding cats dairy products excessively can lead to digestive upset, such as discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Avoid giving your cat foods like cheese, cream cheese, ice cream, yoghurt, and whipped cream, as these can potentially cause gastrointestinal issues. While feline fur babies can be curious and show interest in milk or milk products, it’s best to refrain from offering them to your fluffy companion.
5.Chocolate
All types of chocolate, including white, milk, and dark chocolate, can be dangerous for cats if ingested, with dark chocolate having higher levels of theobromine that can cause seizures, tremors, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, death. Even small amounts of chocolate can potentially cause toxicity in cats.
If you suspect your furry friend has consumed chocolate or exhibits any concerning symptoms, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Prompt treatment can be vital in managing chocolate toxicity in cats. At the same time, consider being equipped with cheap cat insurance so that managing urgent health situations like this is much easier.
In contrast, the best pet insurance covers a frisky feline’s health for broader-ranging health conditions. So, why not contemplate purchasing a policy for your precious pet?
